Longitudinal variation in adolescent physical activity patterns and the emergence of tobacco use

Abstract

ObjectiveThe objective of this investigation was to examine how variation in adolescent physical activity is related to smoking and alternative tobacco use.MethodsAdolescents (N = 1,384) completed a self-report survey every 6 months from ages 14-to 18-years old in a prospective study of health behaviors. The 8 waves of data were analyzed using General Growth Mixture Modeling (GGMM)ResultsGGMM identified five physical activity trajectories including stable higher (SHPA), decreased (DPA), stable regular (SRPA), curvilinear (CPA), and stable low (SLPA). Across 4 years, the likelihood of smoking was greater among adolescents in the DPA, SLPA and SRPA trajectories compared to adolescents belonging to the SHPA trajectory. Alternative tobacco use was greatest among adolescents in the DPA and SRPA trajectories.ConclusionsAdolescents with decreasing physical activity and even adolescents averaging an hour of physical activity a day (SRPA) are important groups to target for tobacco use prevention and intervention efforts. © The Author 2012. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Pediatric Psychology. All rights reserved.